To the Editor:
This year on Election Day, in addition to the attention getting Presidential, US Senate and Congressional elections, we in Darien also have an important choice to make for the Board of Education. For the first time in many years this will be a contested election. I will be casting my votes for Sarah Schneider-Zuro and Betsy Hagerty-Ross.
I have known and worked closely with Sarah for several years. Most recently we served together as budget representatives for Royle School on the Council of Darien School Parents. In that capacity I also had the opportunity to observe Betsy in her role as Chair of the Board of Education. These two women provide a wonderful complement of skills to the board – experience as chair and a career in finance from Betsy and experience on the CDSP and as an educator and school administrator from Sarah. Both have been actively involved in our school PTOs over the years and between them have five children being educated in our town schools.
In addition to having the right skills for the job, I believe they are the right people for the job as well. During last year’s long and controversial budget season, I was thoroughly impressed with both women.
Sarah has a deep understanding of spending and curriculum decisions over the past few years and the ability to evaluate issues from many perspectives: that of a parent, a taxpayer and an educator/administrator. She has good judgment, a passion for excellence and is willing to consider all sides of an issue.
Betsy has been serving as the chair of the BOE and has impressed me with her efficiency, ability to collaborate with town boards and other stakeholders and her unwavering commitment to provide the best possible education for our students.
Taxpayers in Darien owe it to themselves to seriously consider this vote. The BOE stewards over 65% of the town’s spending annually. These volunteers who dedicate an enormous amount of time to serving in the BOE deserve our attention and support. Please support Sarah and Betsy in November.
Shelly Skoglund
139 Leroy Ave
Darien
